In a market saturated with smartphones, the Motorola GLEAM+ WX308 and Nokia 100 represent a return to simplicity. These feature phones cater to users prioritizing call quality, battery life, and durability over advanced features. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses, helping you determine which device best suits your essential communication needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing a reliable, long-lasting phone for calls and texts, the Nokia 100 emerges as the stronger choice. Its brand reputation for durability and extended standby time, coupled with a likely lower price point, makes it a practical and dependable option. The GLEAM+’s potential features remain unknown.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | Yes | No |
| Technology | GSM | GSM |
| | - | GSM 850 / 1900 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2012, February. Released 2012, April | 2011, August. Released 2011, November |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 107 x 52.5 x 13.5 mm, 75.8 cc (4.21 x 2.07 x 0.53 in) | 110 x 45.5 x 14.9 mm (4.33 x 1.79 x 0.59 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 105 g (3.70 oz) | 69.6 g (2.43 oz) |
| | - | Flashlight |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 400 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~167 ppi density) | 128 x 160 pixels (~114 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.8 inches, 22.3 cm2 (~39.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 1.8 inches, 10.2 cm2 (~20.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 256K colors | TFT, 65K colors |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | Yes |
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 50MB | - |
| Phonebook | Yes, Photocall | 500 entries |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | - |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP, EDR | No |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | No |
| WLAN | No | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | Yes | Yes |
| Java | - | No |
| Messaging | SMS, MMS, Email | SMS |
| | - | Organizer
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 417 h | Up to 840 h |
| Talk time | Up to 4 h 50 min | Up to 7 h 20 min |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 750 mAh battery | Removable Li-Ion 850 mAh battery (BL-5CB) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Winter White, Silver | Legion Blue, Festival Pink, Ocean Blue Phantom Black, Coral Red |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 50 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.18 W/kg (head) 0.66 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.81 W/kg (head) |
Motorola GLEAM+ WX308
- Potential for more modern features (FM radio, slightly better display)
- Motorola brand recognition
- May offer a more contemporary design
- Specifications largely unknown
- Potential for higher price compared to Nokia 100
- Reliability unproven
Nokia 100
- Exceptional battery life (35 days standby)
- Proven durability and reliability
- Affordable price point
- Basic feature set
- Low-resolution VGA camera
- Small display size
Display Comparison
Given the lack of specific display information for the Motorola GLEAM+ WX308, we can infer it likely features a color display, potentially with a resolution around 320x240 pixels, common for this class of device. The Nokia 100 utilizes a 1.8-inch TFT display. While neither device will offer vibrant colors or high resolution, the Nokia 100’s display is known for its readability in direct sunlight, a crucial factor for outdoor use. The GLEAM+’s potential for a larger screen size, if present, could offer a slightly improved viewing experience, but this is speculative.
Camera Comparison
Neither device is marketed for its camera capabilities. The Nokia 100 includes a VGA camera, primarily intended for basic photo capture. The Motorola GLEAM+ WX308’s camera specifications are unknown, but it’s reasonable to assume it will be similar or slightly better than the Nokia 100’s VGA sensor. Image quality on both devices will be limited, suitable only for quick snapshots in good lighting conditions.
Performance
Both the Motorola GLEAM+ WX308 and Nokia 100 operate on basic mobile platforms designed for efficiency, not processing power. The Nokia 100’s performance is optimized for call handling and SMS messaging. The GLEAM+’s performance will depend on its chipset, but it’s unlikely to offer significant advantages in speed or multitasking capabilities. The focus for both devices is minimizing power consumption, not running demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Nokia 100 excels in battery life, offering up to 18 hours of talk time and an impressive 35 days of standby time. This is a key selling point for users needing a phone that can last for extended periods without charging. The Motorola GLEAM+ WX308’s battery capacity is unknown, but it will likely fall within a similar range, prioritizing long standby times over intensive usage. The Nokia 100’s optimized power management gives it a clear advantage in this category.
Buying Guide
Buy the Motorola GLEAM+ WX308 if you require a potentially more modern feature phone experience, assuming it offers features beyond basic calling and texting, such as FM radio or a slightly improved display. Buy the Nokia 100 if you prioritize proven reliability, exceptional battery life, and a minimalist design focused solely on core communication functions. The Nokia 100 is ideal for emergency use, travel, or users who intentionally avoid smartphone complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Nokia 100 a good choice for emergency use or as a backup phone?
Absolutely. The Nokia 100’s exceptional battery life and rugged design make it an ideal emergency phone or backup device. It can remain functional for weeks on a single charge, providing reliable communication when you need it most.
❓ What kind of SIM card does the Nokia 100 use?
The Nokia 100 utilizes a Micro-SIM card. This is a common SIM card format for feature phones, ensuring compatibility with most mobile networks. Ensure you have the correct SIM card size before purchasing.
❓ Does the Motorola GLEAM+ WX308 support internet connectivity?
This is unknown. Given its positioning as a basic feature phone, internet connectivity is unlikely, but the GLEAM+ may include basic WAP support. The Nokia 100 does not offer internet connectivity beyond basic WAP.
❓ How durable is the Nokia 100?
The Nokia 100 is renowned for its durability. Nokia has a long history of building robust phones, and the 100 is designed to withstand everyday wear and tear. While not waterproof, it can handle accidental drops and bumps better than most smartphones.
